Federal Charges Filed Against Former Safe Streets Worker in Shooting Case

BALTIMORE — Antoine Burton, a 51-year-old man previously employed at the Belvedere Safe Streets program, is facing federal charges after a shooting incident in June that was recorded by surveillance cameras. The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office has opted not to pursue state charges against him, instead referring the case to federal prosecutors.

Burton was set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing regarding several serious charges, including attempted first-degree murder. However, the case has now shifted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he could face severe penalties, including potential classification as an Armed Career Criminal. This designation could result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and possibly life in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, according to Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.

The shooting incident occurred on June 7 at a gas station on Park Heights Avenue. Surveillance footage shows Burton following a man from the store before brandishing a gun and firing shots. After the incident, police utilized the video evidence and information from a confidential informant to identify Burton as the shooter.

Authorities located Burton at his apartment, where he reportedly admitted to having an altercation with the victim and discarded the clothes he wore during the incident. A firearm recovered during the investigation was found to contain live cartridges and was linked to a theft in West Virginia.

Burton's criminal record dates back to 1993, with convictions for various offenses, including robbery and attempted murder. He was also previously indicted on federal charges in 2020 for possessing a semiautomatic pistol.

At the time of his arrest, Burton was on probation and had been on leave from the Safe Streets program. LifeBridge Health, which operates the Belvedere location, stated that he was recommended for the position by community members. The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) has defended its hiring practices, emphasizing a commitment to integrity and rigorous screening processes.

Experts have noted the challenges of hiring credible violence interrupters, with some arguing that a criminal background can be a prerequisite for the role. However, incidents like Burton's can undermine public trust in the program, as highlighted by former deputy police commissioner Jason Johnson.

While the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office has shifted the case to federal jurisdiction, there remains a possibility of pursuing state charges in the future. MONSE confirmed that Burton is no longer part of the Safe Streets initiative.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).